First spell of winter rains beneficial for Rabi crops.

ISLAMABAD -- The first spell of winter rains started on Tuesday night expected to bring about positive impact on crops cultivated during the Rabi season, besides helping the farmers to prepare maximum land for cultivation of different crops.

Particularly, the current rains were blessings in a disguise for the farmers of rain-fed areas across the country, as huge areas are set to be put under wheat cultivation, the major cash crop of the season and source of staple food for local consumption.

The showers would also be helpful for timely sowing of other minor crops including oil seeds, pulses, seasonal fruits and vegetables to cater to the local needs as well as exports, said Member Natural Resources in Pakistan Agriculture Research Council Dr Sarfaraz Ahmad.

Talking to reporter here on Wednesday, he said that rains would be widely beneficial for wheat crop as it would help in healthy germination of plants and its growth and help in enhanced output.

Besides, he said that rains would also be beneficial for livestock, aquaculture and range lands used for the animals grazing, adding that water table would also be...